Too Many Stairs, But Totally Worth It: My Poonhill Story

The First Step Into the Hills

I didn’t know what I was getting into when I signed up for the Ghorepani Poon hill trek. All I wanted was fresh air, mountain views, and a little break from city life. “It’s just a short trek,” I told myself. “How hard could it be?”

Then came the stairs. So. Many. Stairs.

But looking back now, every step was worth it.

What Makes This Trek So Popular?

Let me quickly share why so many people choose this trek:

• Total Distance: Around 40 kilometers (25 miles)

• Average Duration: 4 to 5 days

• Maximum Elevation: 3,210 meters (10,531 feet) at Poon Hill

• Best For: Beginners, families, and anyone who wants big views in a short time

It’s one of Nepal’s most loved short treks—and now I understand why.

Into the Forest We Go

We started the trek in Nayapul, a small town about an hour from Pokhara. From there, the trail led us through villages, farms, and green forests. It felt like walking through a storybook.

But then came Ulleri.

This small village is famous for one thing: its stairs. More than 3,000 stone steps lead up to it. My legs screamed. My backpack felt heavier with each step. I joked with my friends that I was climbing to the moon, not Poon Hill.

Still, the views kept us going—waterfalls, terraced fields, and friendly faces waving from small teahouses.

The Warmth of the Mountains

Something beautiful happened on this trail. As we hiked higher, we started slowing down—not just because we were tired, but because we wanted to take everything in. We drank ginger tea with locals, watched children play in the hills, and smiled at strangers who soon felt like friends.

The Ghorepani Poon hill trek wasn’t just about mountains. It was about people.

Waking Up in Ghorepani

After two full days of hiking, we reached Ghorepani, a quiet village nestled in the hills. We slept early because the next morning would be our biggest moment: the sunrise at Poon Hill.

At 4 a.m., in the freezing cold, we climbed again. More stairs. More huffing and puffing. Our breath turned to fog in the air. But we pushed on with our flashlights and sleepy eyes.

The View That Stopped Time

When we reached the top, I almost cried. Not from pain—but from awe.

Before us stood a wall of mountains: Annapurna South, Machapuchare (Fishtail), Dhaulagiri, and more. The sky slowly turned from black to orange to gold. Snow glowed. Clouds danced below us.

We had made it. All the stairs, sweat, and sore legs suddenly made sense.

This wasn’t just a view. It was a feeling—of being small, grateful, and alive.

The Way Back Down

Going down was easier on the lungs, but tough on the knees. We passed through Tadapani and into rhododendron forests so colorful they didn’t feel real. Monkeys swung above our heads. Birds sang along the trail.

By the time we reached Ghandruk, our final village, our legs were jelly. But our hearts? Full.

One Step at a Time

Here’s what I learned on the Ghorepani Poon hill trek:

• You don’t need to be a pro to feel like a hero.

• Nature doesn’t rush—so you don’t have to either.

• Every step, even the hard ones, brings you closer to something beautiful.

I went looking for views. But I found peace, pride, and a new part of myself I didn’t know I needed.

Would I Do It Again?

Yes. A hundred times, yes.

The Ghorepani Poon hill trek is not just about reaching the top. It’s about every moment along the way. The laughs, the quiet walks, the sunrise, and even the stairs.

So, if you’re thinking about it—go. Pack your bag, lace up your boots, and start climbing. I promise, it’s totally worth it.